On Wednesday, the head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) advised Filipinos not to “gamble the country’s destiny” by voting for candidates who have the requisite qualifications and expertise.
Caloocan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David said it was not the time to be complacent as Eleksyon 2022 approached during the “Solidarity Mass for the Moral Choice” at Baclaran Church.
“Labanan natin ang pagsasawalang bahala, magmalasakit tayo lalo na sa kapakanan ng kapwa at bayan,” the bishop said in his homily.
“Baka meron sa atin.. ang hindi gagalaw hanggat hindi sila naapektuhan, naghihintay lamang kung ano ang kahihinatnan ng halalan. Umaasa lang sa survey, iboboto lang yung popular. Nasaan ang malasakit sa ganyang attitude?” he added.
(Let us fight indifference, let us care especially for the welfare of the people and our country; perhaps some of us… will wait until they are affected, just waiting to see how the election will turn out, just relying on polls, and voting for the popular; where is the concern with such an attitude?)
“Kung mananatiling mababa ang pagtingin at pagkilos natin sa pulitika hindi pagunlad ang ibubunga nito, huwag sana natin isugal ang kinabukasan ng ating bansa,” David said.
(Our low regard and inaction in our politics will not bring development. Therefore, let us not gamble on the future of our country.)
The head of the CBCP also urged voters not to be persuaded by misinformation, particularly on social media.
CBCP president urges voters to ‘side with truth’ in Eleksyon 2022
“Maari tayong bulagin ng kasinungalingan at panlilinlang, maari nitong patulugin ang konsensya at patigasin tayong parang mga bato,” David said.
(We can be blinded by lies and deception. It can put the conscience to sleep and harden us like rocks.)
The CBCP bishop added, “to always side with the truth even if it is unpopular and even if it hurts.”
“Kung minsan kasi kapag mahapdi o masakit na ang dating ng katotohanan na parang kalamansi sa sugat, parang ayaw na nating tumingin at makinig,” David said.
“Sa ating konteksto ng ating pakikilakbay sa landas ni Kristo, huwag tayong matakot na lumakad sa apoy ng katotohanan,” he added.
(Sometimes, when the truth is as painful as lime on a wound, we stop seeing and listening; but, let us not be frightened to walk in the fire of truth in the context of our journey in the way of Christ.)
Christians, according to David, are called to vote correctly and under their conscience.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.